My last blog post on TM Blast was on September 12, 2024, wow! Blogging is not a strategy when it comes to TM Blast, but so much has been happening with search that I wanted to write about it. For the past year, I’ve been preaching the same strategy for Local SEO clients. Flipping the map can increase your impressions, website clicks, phone calls, and ultimately, leads. While that message remains true, I’ve recently updated my strategy to encourage users to click the “book online” button on Google Business Profiles.
Get Book Online to Increase Leads to Your Google Business Profile
Having a “book online” button on your Google Business Profile will help you stand out from the competition, which can help you generate more leads to your business. Sample industries that would benefit from this button include medical clinics, locksmiths, psychics, hvac companies, nail salons, barber shops, and so much more. In this video, I demo off TM Blast and how I use Simplybook to integrate this directly into my GBP Timestamps: 0:00 Old GBP Look for TM Blast 0:07 New GB Look – Book Online Button 0:26 Click Book Online – Go to my Booking Page 0:53 Example Search Query – My Listing Stands Out Now 1:25 TM Blast is the Only Listing with a Booking / Schedule Button 1:49 Stand out from your Competitors to Get More Leads 2:33 What Matters at the End of the Day 2:48 Wrap Up
Before and After – TM Blast
The image above shows the “Book Online” button for TM Blast. For brand search, I believe this will help increase leads due to the prominence of the button on the profile.
Why this Matters for Search
What I’m sharing with clients is how much that schedule button stands out from the competitors. The example search here is “seo companies near me,” which my business ranks well for. The first part of Local SEO is getting your business found, so step one is complete, which is a good start. However, getting someone to now interact with my profile is the next step, which is where that schedule button comes in. The SoLV (share of local voice) helped me get into the map pack on search, and the schedule button makes my profile stand out compared to the two organic listings and one ad at the bottom.
Map Search Stands Out More
The example above shows what Google displays for “SEO companies near me” in a Google Maps search. Users frequently use the map search to find businesses that are closer to them. Think of beauty salons, dentists, restaurants, and more, where users travel to. The TM Blast at the top has a schedule button, while every other listing does not. Imagine how many more leads your business would generate if you were one of the industries I mentioned.
Additionally, I envision the user who works a traditional 9-to-5 job, Monday through Friday, and cannot make calls during the workday. Providing them with the option to schedule an appointment directly through your Google Business Profile (especially if you are the only one offering this) would make the entire process easier for them. The same applies to virtually any industry and local search. Do you need someone to come over to fix your furnace, toilet, HVAC unit, or something else? Click on ‘Schedule’ and add it to their calendar!
Conclusion
I’m constantly seeking ways to deliver more value to my clients. The heat map from Local Falcon was a game changer for me well over a year ago. Seeing the map and realizing ways to flip it for more clients was step one. Increasing their impressions, phone calls, website clicks, and leads was the primary goal. Now, as I review the results, I’m asking, “How can I get my clients to stand out?” and I believe the “Book online” button can play a role in that. Every profile starts to look the same for the user. You get your 4 to 5-star ratings, some photos, services, and that is about it. The “Book online” button is distinct, and not everyone uses it, which can help you stand out.